The smartphone market is ever-evolving, with each new release promising better performance, improved features, and a refined user experience. The iQOO 13 is the latest entrant in iQOO’s lineup, building on the success of the iQOO 12. But how do these two devices compare in terms of design, performance, cameras, display, battery, and additional features? Let’s break down the details to help you decide whether upgrading or investing in the iQOO 13 is the right choice for you.
Design and Build Quality: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
The iQOO 13 and iQOO 12 share a similar premium build with glass fronts, aluminum frames, and glass backs. However, the iQOO 13 introduces additional durability features with an IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance rating, making it capable of surviving submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. In comparison, the iQOO 12 offers an IP64 rating, which provides limited protection against dust and water splashes in its China variant.
In terms of dimensions, the iQOO 13 is slightly larger at 163.4 x 76.7 x 8 mm, compared to the iQOO 12’s 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm or 8.4 mm. It is also heavier, weighing 207g or 213g, depending on the variant, whereas the iQOO 12 weighs between 198.5g and 203.7g. This extra weight is attributed to the iQOO 13’s larger battery and enhanced features, such as the RGB LED light on the back, which adds a touch of flair.
Display: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
The iQOO 13 takes the lead in display technology with a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen that boasts a resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels and a pixel density of 510 ppi. This results in sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, its peak brightness reaches a staggering 4500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
The iQOO 12, while still impressive, features a slightly smaller 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels and a pixel density of 453 ppi. Its peak brightness of 3000 nits is respectable but falls short of the iQOO 13’s brilliance.
Both devices support a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, making them ideal for gaming and media consumption. However, the iQOO 13’s superior brightness and resolution give it a clear edge.
Performance: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
Under the hood, the iQOO 13 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chipset, which offers significant performance improvements over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) used in the iQOO 12. The new chipset is paired with an Adreno 830 GPU, delivering faster graphics rendering and better energy efficiency.
The iQOO 13’s CPU architecture is also more advanced, featuring 2 high-performance Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores clocked at 4.32 GHz and 6 Phoenix M cores at 3.53 GHz. In contrast, the iQOO 12 uses a configuration of 1 Cortex-X4 core at 3.3 GHz, 3 Cortex-A720 cores at 3.2 GHz, and 2 Cortex-A520 cores at 2.3 GHz. This upgrade ensures that the iQOO 13 can handle demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.
On the software side, the iQOO 13 ships with Android 15 and is promised up to 4 major Android updates, ensuring long-term software support. The iQOO 12, though capable, comes with Android 14 and is limited to 2 major updates, making the iQOO 13 a better choice for future-proofing.
Camera Capabilities: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
Both the iQOO 13 and iQOO 12 feature triple-camera setups, but there are distinct differences in their configurations:
iQOO 13 Camera Setup:
- 50 MP wide sensor (f/1.9) with OIS for sharp and stable photos
- 50 MP telephoto lens (f/1.9) with 2x optical zoom
- 50 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.0) with autofocus
iQOO 12 Camera Setup:
- 50 MP wide sensor (f/1.7) with multi-directional PDAF and OIS
- 64 MP periscope telephoto lens (f/2.6) with 3x optical zoom
- 50 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.0) with autofocus
While the iQOO 12 has a higher-resolution telephoto lens and better optical zoom at 3x, the iQOO 13 focuses on consistency across all its cameras, offering uniform 50 MP sensors for a balanced shooting experience.
For selfies, the iQOO 13 steps up with a 32 MP front camera, compared to the iQOO 12’s 16 MP sensor, making it the better choice for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
The iQOO 13 packs a larger 6150 mAh battery (or 6000 mAh in India) compared to the iQOO 12’s 5000 mAh battery, offering longer usage times. Both devices support 120W fast charging, but the iQOO 13 can charge to 100% in just 30 minutes, as advertised.
For users who prioritize battery life, the iQOO 13’s increased capacity makes it a clear winner.
Connectivity and Features: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
Both smartphones are equipped with cutting-edge connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Snapdragon Sound for Hi-Res audio, and NFC. However, the iQOO 13 includes a USB Type-C 3.2 port, allowing for faster data transfer compared to the iQOO 12’s USB 2.0 port.
Additionally, the iQOO 13 includes under-display ultrasonic fingerprint technology, which is faster and more secure than the optical fingerprint sensor on the iQOO 12.
Conclusion: iQOO 13 vs iQOO 12
The iQOO 13 brings meaningful upgrades over the iQOO 12, including a brighter and sharper display, a more powerful processor, improved cameras, a larger battery, and better durability. These enhancements make it a compelling choice for those seeking top-tier performance and features.
That said, the iQOO 12 still holds its own with a capable camera setup and a slightly lighter build, making it a great option for users who prioritize telephoto zoom or want a slightly more affordable flagship experience.
If you’re already using the iQOO 12, upgrading to the iQOO 13 might be worth considering if you value the improved display, durability, and future-proof software support. For new buyers, the iQOO 13 is undoubtedly the smarter choice for 2024 and beyond.
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